Perhaps I am missing the point with Guly? Can somebody explain what he adds that any number of players couldn't do? For me his first half contribution was - scoring an own goal - receiving the ball but never really being creative, often his passes were non-threatening back passes - and a comedy tackle whilst tracking back in midfield - Second half I had forgotten he was on the pitch and I counted all of 3 times that he was involved in play. (Yes I am biased because I don't think he really adds much but am open to listening to others views) Sorry if there is already a post on Guly attributes or lack of them. Cheers
I'm not as much on the Guly bandwagon as others, but the main thing he adds is versatility. 1) I am not sure why certain people think he doesn't hustle. Perhaps it is his languid style of movement. But Guly works hard and comes back to play defense. He is much better at this than either Lallana or Lambert (though they have their own strengths). He is also pretty tall and decent in the air. He does annoyingly duck out of headers from time to time, but he's still better in the air from midfield than Lallana, Puncheon and possibly Schneiderlin even. He's certainly not a great defender/tackler but he's good for an offensive player. 2) Guly is also possession-oriented. He passes backwards because often it is smart to pass backwards. He can be tricky with the ball, but in some of those tight midfield situations, it is better to simply pass to the open man instead of trying to dribble through two defenders. Just keep making open passes. It tires the opposing team out while giving your team a break, sparks confidence in the team and their ability to hold possession, and slows down the pace of the game when needed. Our midfielders often seem to have some difficulty with this. Cork and Schneiderlin always seem like they are going at 100%. Sometimes it's nice to feel like you're in control and relaxed. 3) Guly does the unexpected. He's probably the most likely player bar Lambert to just score or create a goal out of nowhere. That is basically how Guly plays. He's good for a possession-oriented team that just holds the ball forever and lulls you to sleep before pulling some seizing a small opening to create a crazy goal out of nowhere. If you don't pay attention he looks like he doesn't do anything special as he's not as exciting with the ball as Puncheon, Lambert, or Lallana, and he's not as hard-nosed as Cork. That is not how Saints play right now, however. Saints would probably like to be more possession-oriented than they are but presently don't quite have the players for it. Puncheon is very direct, and Lallana definitely likes to keep the ball moving forward, always looking for a through ball. And going forward Ramirez looks like he plays the same role as Guly only with more skill and flair. For those reasons, Guly probably shouldn't start when everyone is healthy. But he should be a second half sub in almost any situation. If you need to hold a lead, take off an offensive player for Guly. if you need a goal, he could maybe replace one of the DM's. Guly was solid against Stoke, and again today and I thought both games showcased what Guly brings to a side (though he should have done better on the missed goal). If you don't see it, then I guess he's just not your type of player.
You are correct, the person at fault for their goal was clearly punch it was a lazy half hearted effort of a tackle and a stupid free kick to give away. Giving them a chance to throw the ball into the box was madness particulary when the keeper made the ball seem like a bar of soap. Guly had to go for it, otherwise an Arsenal player would have had a tap in, and on that occasion the nutter in nets was also blameless.
Oh dear. This is all rather tiresome. If you don't understand the contribution Guly makes to our team I am not going to waste my breath trying to explain. You, who of course understands far more about football than the coaching staff at Saints, should just be thankful we have such a quality player to call upon.
Hey come on St G why so harsh? He was only expressing an opinion........Ok I accept I also have difficulty in understanding his point of view. Guly in my opinion played his socks off....his corners yesterday caused a few problems in the Arsenal box. Also remember he too is playing out of position. He is clearly the only one that has played there in Lallana's absence with any merit. He does fall back far better than Lallana and is yards more effective at defending the ball. His speed on the wing is good too and he definitely helped to keep chamberpot quiet, that is for sure!
Thought Guly's work rate was excellent tracking Sagna, who did have an absolute shocker, who would you rather have played on the left? De Ridder/JRod? Think that settles it really. Guly's corners were also very good as well. De Ridder came on to try and have a go at Sagna, didn't have an effect really, excellent challenge on Sagna as well to get himself a yellow! Have to say I would probably have taken Punch off as he looked very tired at the end but I don't know how Guly was feeling. Obviously when Lallana is back he will play on the left, but I think if Guly keeps putting in performances like he has in recent games he has a real chance of displacing Puncheon on the right.
I think after the OG taking Guly off would have shattered his confidence, Good management from NA IMO.
Good Post - Even though Guly will never be one of my favourite players I did appreciate his workrate, I shall try and see him in a different perspective -
Missed a sitter against Stoke, scored an own goal against Arsenal.. = Potential 5 points.. If he was a goal keeper there would be no argument..
Guly is like marmite and brussel sprouts. Some people like them and some people don't. As for liking Guly does it matter just so long as they don't boo him? I can't stand De Ridder but would never boo him when he comes on but I hope that just for once he will do something other than run around like a headless chicken. In my opinion Guly is a very under rated player and is much, much better than many of our own fans think. The many fans of other clubs who I know and who have seen him play for us against their team have aways rated him highly.
